Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado will begin the season on the 15-day disabled list, which doesn't come as a huge surprise to anyone that has followed his lack of progress throughout spring training.

It wouldn't be a surprise if manager Buck Showalter felt it would be best for Machado to head to the disabled list just to quiet the constant discussion about whether or not he would be ready for Opening Day.

Showalter doesn't want to rush Machado back too soon and doesn't want the third baseman putting pressure on himself to make it back by a certain deadline.

Machado will be eligible to come off the disabled list on April 6, but it could be more like mid-April until we see the team's youngest star.

He has finally resumed running but still isn't close to game action.

In other news, the Orioles traded shortstop Alex Gonzalez to the Detroit Tigers for utility infielder Steve Lombardozzi. That's bad news for a guy like Alexi Casilla, who won't likely make the team. It also might push Jonathan Schoop back to Triple-A, but that remains to be seen.

Lombardozzi can play pretty much any position in the infield, giving Showalter a lot of flexibility, especially without Machado.

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Steve DeClue has always had a passion for Baltimore-area sports. He covered the Baltimore Ravens for Baltimoresun.com and Scout.com. If you are looking for your fix on sports around the Beltway, Steve's your man. You may contact Steve with your comments and questions.